EP3126935A2

EP3126935A2 - Pivotable interior mirror for a motor vehicle

Info

Publication number: EP3126935A2
Application number: EP15717652.0A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Romeo Wieczorek
Original assignee: SMR Patents SARL
Current assignee: SMR Patents SARL
Priority date: 2014-04-03
Filing date: 2015-04-02
Publication date: 2017-02-08
Anticipated expiration: 2035-04-02
Also published as: EP3126935B1; WO2015151059A3; US20170028923A1; EP2927780A1; WO2015151059A2; CN106458096B; US10144354B2; CN106458096A

Abstract

The invention relates to a pivotable interior mirror (100, 200, 300) for a vehicle, comprising a mirror surface, in particular in the form of a first surface of a wedge mirror (104, 204), a sensor device (207, 801, 802) suitable for a light propagation-time measurement, for sensing at least one gesture of a driver of the vehicle and/or light incident on the first surface of the wedge mirror (104, 204), and a pivoting device (102) for pivoting the mirror surface from a normal position (110) into at least one dimming position (112), in which blinding of the driver by light reflected at the mirror surface is reduced, wherein the pivoting device (102) can be activated in dependence on at least one output signal of the sensor device (207). The invention further relates to a vehicle having such an interior mirror and to a method for such an interior mirror.

Description

description

The present invention relates to a pivotable interior mirror for a vehicle, a vehicle having such a pivotable interior mirror, and a method thereof.

Driver assistance systems perceive and interpret the environment of a vehicle on the basis of environmental sensors using radar, video, infrared and ultrasound. They support the driver in many driving situations and thereby increase driving comfort and driving safety. Driver assistance systems increase safety by helping a driver in critical situations where quick and safe action is required. In dangerous situations, where the driver is e.g. is affected by sudden glare by a behind him moving vehicle in his ability to react, a support of the driver by technical aids is desirable.

The EP 1 593 550 AI relates to an interior mirror for a vehicle with a support arm which can be fastened in the vehicle, and with an adjusting device which is adjustably mounted on the support arm, wherein on the adjusting a Keilspiegelglas is indirectly or directly attached, the wedge mirror glass by operation the adjusting between a normal position and a Abblendstellung is adjustable, for actuating the adjusting device, a drive device is provided, and at least one elastic clamping element is provided in the inner mirror, with which the adjusting device in the normal position and / or the Low beam is elastically clamped. In this case, the drive device can be controlled by a photosensitive sensor, in particular a differential light sensor.

An automotive interior rear-view mirror according to EP 1 013 503 A1 has a supporting body of a reflecting plate movable against the action of a spring means to be moved to an anti-glare position upon activation of a shape-memory wire.

It is the object of the present invention to provide the driver of a vehicle means to ward off a dangerous situation due to glare from behind him driving a vehicle easily.

This object is achieved by a pivotable interior mirror for a vehicle having a mirror surface, in particular in the form of a first surface of a wedge mirror, a sensor device suitable for a light transit time measurement for detecting at least one gesture of a driver of the vehicle and / or on the first surface of the wedge mirror incident light, and a pivoting device for pivoting the mirror surface from a normal position in at least one Abblendposition in which a dazzling of the driver is reduced by reflected light on the mirror surface, is equipped, wherein the pivoting device in response to at least one output signal of the sensor device can be activated.

It can be provided that the sensor device comprises at least a first sensor in the form of a TOF sensor, in particular comprising a TOF camera, wherein preferably the sensor device also comprises at least a second sensor for performing an ALS function.

The first sensor may be mounted on the side of the interior mirror, in particular on the mirror surface, that presents the mirror surface, and / or a first second sensor may be mounted on the side of the interior mirror, in particular on the mirror surface, and / or on the side of the interior mirror second second sensor may on the opposite side of the mirror surface of the inner mirror, in particular on the mirror surface be mounted opposite surface of the wedge mirror, wherein preferably the first sensor and the first second sensor are formed in one.

It is also proposed that the pivoting device can be activated as a function of a comparison of output signals of the first and at least one second sensor, preferably by subtraction, and / or the pivoting device is preferably dependent on a comparison of output signals of the first second and second second sensors by subtraction, is activatable.

Advantageously, it is also proposed that the pivoting device can be activated as a function of signals of a device of the vehicle which is characteristic of the lighting conditions in the surroundings of the vehicle, in particular comprising a lighting device of the vehicle, such as in the form of headlamps and / or vehicle interior lighting, and / or a timer and / or a position-determining device.

Preferred interior mirrors according to the invention are characterized in that the sensor device is part of an operating device for the swiveling device, wherein preferably the operating device recognizes movement patterns within a first distance interval to the mirror surface and / or provides at least one virtual button within a second distance interval, and / or preferably the Operating device recognizes movement pattern within a first region of the inner mirror and / or at least provides a virtual key within a second region of the inner mirror.

In this case, the second distance interval may be arranged closer to the mirror surface than the first distance interval, and / or the first distance interval may be provided in the first area of the operating device and the second distance interval in the second area of the operating device.

Furthermore, it can be provided that the pivoting device comprises a shape memory actuator for giving away the mirror surface, wherein preferably the shape memory actuator has a Shape memory wire includes, which changes its length in response to a current flow through the shape memory wire.

It can be provided that the operating device is designed to provide the shape memory wire with power, in particular from a power supply of the vehicle.

It is also proposed that the shape memory wire is rolled up on a first thread roll and causes rotational movement of the first thread roll in response to the flow of current, preferably wherein the first thread roller forms a drive axis of the inner mirror and is adapted to rotate the mirror surface at least a first angle of rotation ,

It may be provided that the shape memory wire is rolled up on a second thread roller which is designed to rotate the mirror surface by at least a second angle of rotation, wherein preferably the diameter of the second thread roller is different from the diameter of the first thread roller.

The pivoting device may comprise a further actuator which is designed to move the mirror surface back into the normal position, wherein preferably the further actuator comprises a second shape memory actuator or a spring element.

The invention also provides a vehicle having a pivotable interior mirror according to the invention, which is characterized by a control device in conjunction with the sensor device, the pivoting device, the operating device, a device that is characteristic of the lighting conditions in the surroundings of the vehicle, a lighting device, as in The form of headlamps and / or a vehicle interior lighting, a timer and / or a position-determining device.

The invention also provides a method for pivoting a pivotable inner mirror according to the invention for a vehicle according to the invention, which is characterized by the following steps: detecting the movement of a driver of the vehicle, in particular an arm movement of the driver in the direction of the inner mirror or a finger within a certain area of the interior mirror, and / or incident on the interior mirror light; and triggering a movement of the inner mirror from a normal position into at least one dimming position and / or from the dimming position into the normal position as a function of the result of the detection.

It can be provided that, when changing from the normal position to the dimming position and / or from the dipping position to the normal position, a vehicle function, in particular a setting of a lighting device, and / or time information and / or a vehicle location can be taken into account, and / or a The driver of the vehicle can choose whether the change from the normal position to the dimming position and / or from the dimming position to the normal position takes place automatically, via a gesture control or by pressing a virtual key, wherein an automatic change is preferably initiated upon detection of certain predetermined lighting conditions ,

The present invention is based on the recognition that a dazzling effect caused by a behind-the-vehicle vehicle, especially in the dark, is caused by the vehicle interior mirror. If you turn this over in a dimming position, the beam path is interrupted and the dazzling effect no longer occurs. In order to make the folding easy and safe, an interior mirror according to the invention has a pivoting device which is designed to move the interior mirror from a normal position to a dimming position, wherein dazzling of the driver by the interior mirror is reduced in the dimming position. Furthermore, such an interior mirror has a sensor device, e.g. comprises an operating device and is designed to activate the pivoting device either automatically or in response to a movement of the driver. The motion-controlled activation takes place by means of gesture control of the driver, for example by a movement of the arm or the hand of the driver in the direction of the interior mirror, or by pressing a virtual button.

To describe the invention in detail, the following abbreviations and terms are used: FGL: Shape memory alloys (SMA), often referred to as "memory metals" or "memory metals", are special metals that can exist in two different crystal structures and "seemingly" remember an earlier shape despite subsequent severe deformation " can.

LED: LED.

EC glass: dimming electrochromic mirror glass.

TOF: Time-of-flight (TOF) sensors provide a sensor device

Distance measurement by means of transit time determination.

ALS: (Ambient Light Sensor) - Sensors with ALS function enable a

Brightness detection similar to a human eye.

The following is an interior mirror with dimming function and a gesture control described which is very easy for a driver to use. The driver can start, in particular by means of a gesture control by a simple hand movement in the direction of the interior mirror, an actuator of a pivoting device, which moves the mirror in a position that no longer dazzles the driver. When using an SMA actuator, the mirror can be moved noiselessly. In addition, it is significantly cheaper to produce than a mirror with EC glass.

The advantage of a gesture-controlled interior mirror is that the driver of the vehicle in situations where he is dazzled by behind him driving vehicles, the inner mirror can fold down by a simple movement, so that it is no longer dazzled. Therefore, irrespective of the visual perception impaired by the glare, it can reduce or stop the glare by simple gesture control and move out of the dangerous situation. The swivel interior mirror is easy to use. Just a simple movement of the arm or the hand towards the interior mirror is enough to fold down the inside mirror. It has proven to be particularly advantageous if the sensor which is used to detect a movement of a driver in order to be able to activate a pivoting device as a function of a detected movement is a TOF sensor, that is to say suitable for measuring the time of light. Such a sensor may be combined with an ALS sensor to sense both intensity and distance, thereby distinguishing between a passenger's and a driver's movement so that a passenger's movements may be masked out. Furthermore, the sensor responds equally to an object in black or white and thus a hand with or without a black glove and is thus optimal for detecting a driver gesture.

Also, another ALS sensor can detect the external brightness of a vehicle, that is, the amount of light reaching the driver through the windshield of his vehicle. By comparing this light with the reflected light from the inner mirror, an improvement in folding can be effected. So it can then be responded to the drive in or out of a tunnel.

Further embodiments will be explained with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings. Show it:

Figure la a representation of a pivotable inner mirror for a vehicle

according to a first embodiment of the invention;

Figure lb is a further illustration of the inner mirror of Figure la;

Figure 2a is a plan view of a pivotable interior mirror for a vehicle according to a second embodiment of the invention;

Figure 2b is a sectional view through a wedge mirror of the inner mirror of Figure 2a;

Figure 2c is an enlargement of a portion A of Figure 2a; Figure 3 is a three-dimensional representation of a gesture-controllable, pivotable inner mirror for a vehicle according to a third embodiment of the invention;

Figure 4 is a plan view of a biaxial Mini-Jo for a gesture controllable

Interior mirror of the invention;

Figure 5 is a side view of the biaxial mini-Jo of Figure 4;

Figure 6 is a plan view of a three-axis mini-Jo for a gesture controllable

Interior mirror of the invention;

Figure 7 is a three-dimensional representation of a drive for a

gesture-controllable interior mirror, realized as a Jo with spring element;

8a shows a representation of a sensor device for a gesture-controllable

Interior mirror of the invention;

Figure 8b is a representation of an alternative sensor device for a

gesture-controllable interior mirror of the invention; and

9 shows an illustration of a method according to the invention for

gesture-controlled pivoting of an interior mirror for a vehicle.

Figure la shows a schematic representation of a pivotable inner mirror 100 for a vehicle according to a first embodiment of the invention. The pivotable interior mirror 100 has a frame 101, a pivoting device 102 and an operating device 103. The pivoting device 102 can move the inner mirror 100 together with its wedge mirror 104 from a normal position 110 into a dimming position 112. The normal position 110 may be the position shown in FIG. 1 a, in which the driver in the interior mirror 100 is behind him can easily detect moving vehicles in daylight. The dimming position 112 may be a position at which dazzling of the driver by the interior mirror 100 is at least reduced during night driving by headlights of following vehicles. In the Abblendposition 112 may be a position in which the entire inner mirror 100, as shown in the figure la, is folded upwards, so that the reflected beam path of the lights of a driving behind the vehicle further vehicle to the eyes the driver is interrupted. The dimming position 112 may also be a position in which only the wedge mirror 104 is pivoted, even to one side or down. There are different angles of rotation or folding angle possible.

The operating device 103 can be used by the driver to activate the pivoting device 102, in particular in response to a movement or gesture of the driver. The movement may be a movement with one arm or one hand in the direction of the operating device 103. For example, the operating device 103 can react to a certain speed with which the driver moves his hand in the direction of the operating device 103.

In an embodiment according to the invention, the pivoting device 102 may have a first shape memory actuator with which the interior mirror 100 can be moved into the dimming position 112. Such a shape memory actuator may comprise a shape memory alloy - SMA (Shape Memory Alloy). This may be a metal alloy, which may exist in two different crystal structures, so that the first shape memory actuator can remember a previous shape despite subsequent strong deformation and put back into its original form. The original shape may be the normal position 110 and the deformed shape may ensure the dimming position 112.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the first shape memory actuator may comprise a shape memory wire that varies in length in response to current flow through the shape memory wire. The flow of current through the wire can cause a temperature increase in the wire so that it can expand. So can the Operating means 103 provide power to the shape memory wire in response to the movement of the driver, for example, by connecting to a power supply of the vehicle. The shape memory wire may be rolled up on a first thread roll and cause rotational movement of the first thread roll in response to current flow, for example as described below with reference to FIGS. 3-7. In this case, the first thread roller can form a drive axis of the inner mirror 100 and rotate the inner mirror 100 by a first angle of rotation. Also, the shape memory wire may be rolled up on a second thread roll that can rotate the interior mirror 100 a second angle of rotation. In this case, the diameter of the second thread roller may differ from the diameter of the first thread roller, for example as described below to FIGS. 3 to 7.

The pivoting device 102 may include a further actuator, which may move the rearview mirror 100 from the dimming position 112 to the normal position 110. The further actuator may in this case comprise a second shape memory actuator, which may have a similar structure to the first shape memory actuator described above.

It is even possible that both shape memory actuators are controlled independently of each other. Thus, the second shape memory actuator after a certain time, the inner mirror 100 move back to the normal position 110. Alternatively, the second shape memory actuator, depending on a blend situation, for example detectable by a sensor device, can move the interior mirror 100 back into the normal position 110, wherein this movement can also be detected by the sensor device. It is also possible for the second shape memory actuator to move the rearview mirror 100 back to the normal position 110, depending on a movement of the driver. In one embodiment, depending on cooling of the shape memory wire of the first shape memory actuator, the second shape memory actuator may return the interior mirror 100 back to the normal position 110.

Advantageously, the further actuator may comprise a spring element. In this case, depending on a cooling of the shape memory wire of the first shape memory actuator, the spring element can return the interior mirror 100 to the normal position 110 move back. Namely, the force of the spring member may be directed against the force of expansion of the shape memory wire of the first shape memory actuator to cause a slow recovery to the normal position 110 upon cooling of the wire.

According to the invention, it is preferable for the operating device 103 to comprise at least one sensor of the sensor device in order to be able to detect a movement of the driver, in particular an arm movement of the driver in the direction of the interior mirror. In this case, the operating device 103 can activate the pivoting device 102 in response to a threshold value of the detected movement of the driver. For example, when a predetermined threshold value is exceeded, the pivoting device 102 can be activated so that the interior mirror 100 can move into the dimming position 112.

FIG. 1b shows a schematic representation of a gesture-controllable inner mirror 100 which, according to FIG. 1a, has a pivoting device 102, an operating device 103, 107 and a wedge mirror 104. In this embodiment, the interior mirror 100 also includes an FGL wire actuator and is provided with a sensor device for realizing a gesture control displacement. In this case, the inner mirror 100 can be folded down by a rotational movement so that the driver is no longer dazzled, and the movement can be performed automatically by the pivoting range 102, even noiseless. In one embodiment, the driver by a hand movement or gesture or by an approximation, the folding, unfolding or folding movement of the inner mirror 100 not only from the normal position shown in Figure lb cause in a non-illustrated Abblendposition, but also undo.

In the following, a possible interaction of the driver with the interior mirror 100 is described, which causes a movement of the interior mirror 100. If a movement 1 of the driver is carried out in a certain way in a first detection area of the operating device 103, which can also be designated as a gesture channel, the angle between a mirror holder 105 and the wedge mirror 104 can change in the mass that a first, the driver facing surface of the wedge mirror 104 shows a little more up to the roof of the vehicle so that the driver is no longer dazzled. The actuator of the pivoting device 102, which may be behind the wedge mirror 104 of the inner mirror 100 may provide for this automatic movement. If the actuator is a FGL actuator in which the wire is behind the wedge mirror 104 and can be flowed through in a detected via the sensor device of the operating device 103 gesture of the driver, the wire can thereby heat and shorten, resulting in a rotational movement on Pivot 106 of the inner mirror 100 is implemented. Another movement in the gesture channel of the sensor device can provide for a reverse rotation of the inner mirror 100. Alternatively, a reverse rotation can be forced by pressing a virtual button in a second detection range of the operating device 107. In this case, the second detection area can be arranged closer to the mirror surface of the wedge glass 104 than the first detection area in order to better simulate a key.

FIGS. 2 a to 2 c show a further interior mirror 200 according to the invention which contains a tiltable wedge mirror 204 and a sensor device 207. The wedge shape of the wedge mirror 204 is best seen in Figure 2b. FIG. 2 b also shows that the sensor device 207 has a first sensor 208 on the driver-facing, reflective, first surface of the wedge mirror 204, while a second sensor 209 is mounted on the rear side of the wedge-shaped mirror 204. The first sensor 208 may be a TOF sensor with ALS function, while the second sensor is only intended to perform an ALS function. This opens up a wide spectrum for activating a pivoting device, not shown, but which may be formed in analogy to the pivoting device described in connection with Figures 1 a and 1 b. The sensors 208 and 209 may also be formed in one.

On the one hand, a gesture control is possible via the sensor 208, for movements at a distance of more than 10 mm from the wedge glass 204 at a distance. Within the range of 10 mm to the wedge glass 204, a key function can be met, with which, for example, can be switched from a gesture control of the pivoting device to a fully automatic control. In a fully automatic solution, it is detected via the first sensor 208 whether there is a glare situation and the wedge glass 204 is to be folded into its dimming position. The consideration of the output data of the second sensor 209 also makes it possible to take into account the ambient light, that is to say the light which is not shown Windscreen of the vehicle is perceived by the driver. The output signals of the two sensors 208 and 209 can be evaluated together, for example, by a differential circuit, so as to take into account special driving situations, as they can occur when entering a tunnel and leaving a tunnel. Thus, a distinction between day and night is possible via the second sensor 209. This distinction can be taken into account in the folding of the wedge glass 204, in connection with a threshold to be exceeded for folding and / or for a folding angle.

It is also possible according to the invention that the pivoting device is actuated not only as a function of output signals of the sensor device 207, but other signals are taken into account, such as information about a headlight and / or time signals, by means of which it can also be decided whether it is day or night ,

FIG. 3 shows a three-dimensional representation of a gesture-controllable interior mirror 300 for a vehicle according to a still further embodiment of the invention. The interior mirror 300 may have a construction analogous to that of the interior mirror 100 of FIG. 1a or 1b or of the interior mirror 200 of FIGS. 2a to 2c. The housing of the inner mirror 300 is shown open in Figure 3, so that various mechanical components that are housed within the housing, not shown, are visible. The wedge glass is mounted on a side facing away from the viewer and therefore not visible side of a support plate 309.

The inner mirror 300 comprises a drive 301 with which a ball joint 302 (represented in FIG. 3 by a dome part or ball dome or ball plate) can be rotated in order to rotate the inner mirror 300 accordingly. The drive 301 comprises a FGL wire 303 and is designed as a Jojo drive. An Jo drive rotates in one direction only, while the other direction is retracted with a spring, while in the Jojo drive, there is a second winding that turns exactly in the opposite direction so that the Jojo drive can rotate in either direction , In the embodiment of FIG. 3, the drive 301 includes a first axis 304 and a second axis 305. The first axis 304 may be provided with two turns rotating in different directions to realize a yo-yo drive. Also the second axis 305 may be provided with two turns rotating in different directions to realize a yo-yo drive.

The drive 301 of the pivoting device can perform a rotation of at least 90 ° and replace a hand lever of a conventional dimming device. In the embodiment of Figure 3, the drive 301 comprises 2 axes 304, 305, while more than two axes are conceivable, as well as only one axis 304. But for a rotation through 90 ° usually 2 axes are sufficient.

In the embodiment of FIG. 3, the drive 301 includes two stable points at the end of the axles 304, 305 that engage the dome portion of the ball joint 302. This can prevent random adjustment after rotation.

The FGL wires 303 are wound on rollers 306, 307 arranged in the direction of the two axes 304, 305 and may be heated by current pulses and thus shortened to make a rotation of 90 °.

The drive 301 comprises a fixing plate 308 which serves to fix the wires 303 on the rollers 306, 307. The wires 303 are guided by the fixing plate 308 via the second roller 307 and then via the first roller 306 and fixed there. In one embodiment, a controller may have its power connections to the fixation plate 308. The controller can then perform an accurate measurement of the internal resistances to heat the wires 303 accurately and meter the force.

Figure 4 shows a schematic representation in plan view of a biaxial Mini-Jos 400 for a gesture-controllable interior mirror according to another embodiment of the invention. The mini-yo 400 can be used, for example, in a drive 301 for the interior mirror 300. As already explained, the term Jo means that the drive rotates only in one direction and the other direction can be withdrawn, for example with a spring, for example according to the representation of FIG. 7. In the embodiment of FIG. 4, the mini-yo 400 comprises a first thread roll 406, for example corresponding to the first thread roll 306 shown in FIG. 3, and a second thread roll 407, for example corresponding to the second thread roll 307 shown in FIG. 3. Here, the second thread roll is 407 thicker than the first thread roller 406. The first thread roller 406 may, for example, have a diameter of 8 mm and the second thread roller 407 have a diameter of 16 mm. Other thicknesses or diameters are also feasible. On the thick second thread roll 407, the main part of a winding forming wire 403 is rolled up while only a few turns are rolled up on the narrow first thread roll 406. The narrow first thread roller 406 may be provided as a drive axle and may be hollow to power the wire 403 from the inside. The wire 403 is connected to a housing (fixing point 408 for example on a fixing plate 308 as described above to Figure 3), where it is supplied with power, then goes to the thick second roller 407, where it has several turns, and finally goes to thinner first drive roller 406. There he dives through a hole into the interior of the roller 406 and is led to the outside to a power supply 409. The power supply 409 may be provided by a car battery.

Figure 5 shows a schematic representation in side view of the two-axis mini-Jo 400 of Figure 4. In the embodiment of Figure 5, the wire 403 is fixedly connected to the housing at the fixing point 408, where it is also supplied with power, then runs on the thick second roller 407, where it has several turns, and then proceeds to the narrow first drive roller 406. There, it dives through a hole into the interior of the roller 406 and is led out to the power supply 409. The supply lines for the power supply are marked with the signs "+" and "-".

Figure 6 shows a schematic representation in plan view of a three-axis Mini-Jo 600s for a gesture-controllable interior mirror according to another embodiment of the invention. The mini-Jo 600 can be used for example in a drive 301 for an interior mirror 300, as described in FIG. The triaxial mini-Jo 600 may correspond to the biaxial mini-yo 400 of FIGS. 4 and 5 with the difference that a wire 603 is still passed over another third roller. In the embodiment of Figure 6, the wire 603 is fixedly connected to the housing at a fixing point 608 where it is energized, then passes through the third roller 609, where it has several turns, to the second roller 607 and the first roller 606, which can serve as a drive roller. There he dives through a hole into the interior of the roller 606 and is led to the outside to a power supply.

With the three-axle Mini-Jo 600, more rotation angles can be generated than with a biaxial Mini-Jo. In one embodiment, which is not shown in FIG. 6, the mini-jo comprises further axes in order to be able to realize even larger angles of rotation.

The embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 4 to 6 can also be realized as mini-jojos, i. with two wires, each turning opposite to each other. Also, a spring element can be used, which slowly pulls the wedge mirror back to the starting position. In the variant with spring element, the drive can be realized, for example, so that only the Abblendposition is approached by the gesture movement, while the old position (normal position) is automatically set again after a certain cooling time of the wire. In the variant with Jojo every gesture hand movement can find its position.

FIG. 7 shows a three-dimensional representation of a drive 700 for a gesture-controllable interior mirror, which is realized as a Jo with a spring element. The drive 700 can serve, for example, as drive 301 for an interior mirror 100, 200, 300, as described in FIGS. 1 to 3.

In the embodiment of FIG. 7, again, a wire 703 is fixedly connected to a housing at a fixing point 708 where it is energized, then passes through a second roller 707 where it has multiple turns, to a first roller 706 can serve as a drive role. There he dives through a hole into the interior of the role 706 and is led out to a power supply. The wire 703 with the two rollers 706, 707 constitute the Jo element which rotates in one direction from a home position (normal position), while a spring element 710 causes a return rotation to the home position. It can be with realize the drive 700 different angles of rotation 711, for example in the range of 0 ° to 90 ° as indicated on the scale.

FIG. 8a shows a schematic representation of a first sensor 801 of a sensor device with light-emitting diodes 811, 812, 813, 814 and a TOF camera 810 for a gesture-controllable interior mirror according to the invention. The sensor 801 can be used, for example, in an interior mirror 100, 200, 300 as described in FIGS. 1 to 3, namely as part of the operating device 103. In one embodiment, an LED array, for example with infrared, can be used for the gesture control in the interior mirror Light-emitting diodes, as shown in Figure 8a, are used.

In the LED technique shown in Figure 8a, the LEDs 811, 812, 813, 814 can be used to illuminate and thus monitor a particular space in four quadrants Ql-Q4. At the center, the TOF camera 810 may be located as a receiver that can detect a change in lighting conditions due to the movement of the driver, for example by movement of a hand. More specifically, the TOF camera 810 captures, for each of its pixels, the time that the light emitted by the LEDs 811 through 814 needs to hand back and forth. This time is directly proportional to the distance. Thus, a gesture control can be performed within a first predetermined distance interval, while also within the second predetermined distance interval virtual keys are available. For example, a fully automatic dimming can be set via a first key; and a second button, for example, a dimming depending on a lighting device of the vehicle can be adjusted. Thus, in principle, when switching on headlamps, a dimming position and when the headlamps are switched off a normal position could be forced.

The sensor 801 can recognize intuitive movement patterns and control an actuator, so that both a rotation of an inner mirror from its normal position to its Abblendposition and back is possible. FIG. 8b shows a schematic representation of an alternative sensor device 802 with four TOF sensors 821, 822, 823, 824, each of which detects the approach and the position of, for example, a finger 820 in a radius of up to approximately 20 cm and the corresponding X, Send Y and Z axis position data of the finger 820 to electronics. All this can be done in real time.

FIG. 9 shows a schematic representation of a method 900 according to the invention for the gesture-controlled pivoting of an interior mirror for a vehicle. The method 900 may include moving 901 the interior mirror from a normal position to a dimming position. In this case, in response to a movement of the driver, the interior mirror can be moved into the dimming position, in which dazzling of a driver of the vehicle by the interior mirror is reduced. The movement 901 of the interior mirror can be realized in accordance with the above description to the figures 1 to 8.

By a computer program product that can be loaded directly into the internal memory of a digital on-board computer of the vehicle and includes software code sections, the method step 901 can be performed.

It is to be understood that the features of the various embodiments described herein by way of example may be combined with each other except as specifically stated otherwise. As shown in the specification and drawings, individual elements that have been shown to be related need not communicate directly with each other; Intermediate elements may be provided between the connected elements. Further, it is to be understood that embodiments of the invention may be implemented in discrete circuits, partially integrated circuits, or fully integrated circuits or programming means. The term "for example" is meant to be an example rather than the best or optimal, certain embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, but it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that a variety of alternative and / or similar implementations may be substituted for those shown and shown described embodiments can be realized without departing from the concept of the present invention. List of reference driver movement

Rear View mirror

frame

Pivot means

operating device

edge mirror

mirror Mounts

pivot point

operating device

normal position

Abblendposition

Rear View mirror

edge mirror

sensor device

sensor

Rear View mirror

drive

ball joint

SMA wire

axis

role

fixation plate

Support plate wire

thread roll

fixation point

power supply

Mini-Jo

wire

role

fixation point

role

drive

wire

role

fixation point

Spring element angle of rotation

sensor device

TOF camera

led

easy diode

led

finger

TOF sensor

method

Move

Claims

claims

Swiveling rearview mirror (100, 200, 300) for one vehicle, with

A mirror surface, in particular in the form of a first surface of a wedge mirror (104, 204),

A sensor device (207, 801, 802) suitable for a light transit time measurement for detecting at least one gesture of a driver of the vehicle and / or light striking the first surface of the wedge mirror (104, 204), and

• a pivoting device (102) for pivoting the mirror surface from a normal position (110) into at least one dimming position (112), in which glare of the driver is reduced by light reflected at the mirror surface, the pivoting device (102) depending on at least one

Output signal of the sensor device (207) can be activated.

Interior mirror according to claim 1, characterized in that

the sensor device (207, 801, 801) comprises at least one first sensor (208, 810, 821-824) in the form of a TOF sensor, in particular comprising a TOF camera, wherein preferably the sensor device (207) additionally comprises at least one second sensor (209) to perform an ALS function.

Interior mirror according to claim 2, characterized in that

the first sensor (208, 810, 821-824) is mounted on the side of the interior mirror (100, 200, 300) presenting the mirror surface, in particular on the mirror surface, and / or

a first second sensor is mounted on the side of the interior mirror (100, 200, 300) presenting the mirror surface, in particular on the mirror surface, and / or

a second second sensor (209) on the opposite side of the mirror surface of the inner mirror (100, 200, 300), in particular on the mirror surface opposite surface of the wedge mirror (104, 204), mounted

Preferably, the first sensor (208) and the first second sensor are formed in one.

4. Interior mirror according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that

the pivoting device (102) in response to a comparison of output signals of the first and at least one second sensor (208, 209), preferably by

Difference formation, is activatable, and / or

the pivoting device (102) can be activated as a function of a comparison of output signals of the first second and second second sensors (208, 209), preferably by differentiation.

5. Interior mirror according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pivoting device (102) in response to signals of a device of the vehicle is activated, which is characteristic of the lighting conditions in the environment of the vehicle, in particular comprising a lighting device of the vehicle, as in Shape of headlamps and / or a vehicle interior lighting, and / or a timer and / or a position-determining device.

6. Interior mirror according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sensor device (207, 801, 802) is part of an operating device (103, 107) for the pivoting device (102), wherein

Preferably, the operating device (103, 107) within a first distance interval to the mirror surface movement pattern recognizes and / or within a second

Distance interval provides at least one virtual key, and / or

preferably, the operating device (103, 107) recognizes movement patterns within a first region of the inner mirror (100, 200, 300) and / or provides at least one virtual key within a second region of the inner mirror (100, 200, 300).

7. Interior mirror according to claim 6, characterized in that

the second pitch interval is located closer to the mirror surface than the first pitch interval, and / or the first distance interval in the first area of the operating device (103) and the second distance interval in the second area of the operating device (107)

is provided.

8. Interior mirror according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pivoting device (102) comprises a shape memory actuator (301) for giving away the mirror surface, wherein

Preferably, the shape memory actuator (301) comprises a shape memory wire (303, 403, 603, 703) that changes its length in response to a current flow through the shape memory wire (303, 403, 603, 703).

9. Interior mirror according to claim 8, characterized in that

the operating device (103) is designed to supply power to the shape-memory wire (303, 403, 603, 703), in particular from a power supply (409) of the vehicle.

10. Interior mirror according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that

the shape memory wire (303, 403, 603, 703) on a first thread roll (306, 406,

606, 706) is rolled up and in response to the flow of current causes a rotational movement of the first thread roller (306, 406, 606, 706), wherein

preferably, the first thread roller (306, 406, 606, 706) forms a drive axis (304) of the inner mirror (100, 200, 300) and is designed to rotate the mirror surface at least by a first angle of rotation.

11. Interior mirror according to claim 10, characterized in that

the shape memory wire (303, 403, 603, 703) on a second thread roll (307, 407,

607, 707), which is designed to rotate the mirror surface by at least a second angle of rotation, wherein

preferably, the diameter of the second thread roller (307, 407, 607, 707) is different from the diameter of the first thread roller (306, 406, 606, 706).

12. Interior mirror according to one of claims 8 to 11, characterized in that the pivot means (102) comprises a further actuator adapted to move the mirror surface back to the normal position (110), wherein

Preferably, the further actuator comprises a second shape memory actuator or a spring element (710).

13. Vehicle with a swiveling interior mirror (100, 200, 300) after one of the

preceding claims, characterized by

a control device in connection with

the sensor device (207, 801, 802),

the pivoting device (102),

the operating device (103, 107),

a device that is characteristic of the lighting conditions in the surroundings of the vehicle,

a lighting device, such as in the form of headlights and / or a

Vehicle interior lighting,

a timer and / or

a position determination device.

14. A method for pivoting a pivotable inner mirror according to one of

Claims 1 to 12 for a vehicle according to claim 13, characterized by the following steps:

• Detect

The movement of a driver of the vehicle, in particular an arm movement of the driver in the direction of the inner mirror or of a finger within a certain area of the inner mirror, and / or

• light striking the interior mirror; and

Triggering a movement of the interior mirror from a normal position into at least one dimming position and / or from the dimming position into the normal position as a function of the result of the detection.

15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that When changing from the normal position to the dimming position and / or from the dipping position to the normal position, a vehicle function, in particular a setting of a lighting device, and / or a time information and / or a vehicle location can be taken into account, and / or

a driver of the vehicle can select whether the change from the normal position to the dimming position and / or from the dimming position to the normal position takes place automatically, via a gesture control or by pressing a virtual key, preferably upon detection of certain predetermined lighting conditions

automatic change is initiated.